It is an independent, constitutionally-mandated office, elected to a four-year term.

Arizona is the only state which fills this position through direct election.

[2] Owing to a lack of funding, the department employed just two abandoned-mine supervisors as of 2019.

[3] Arizona House Representative Randall Friese introduced a bill in 2016 to change the position from elected to appointed.

[4] In 2007, former inspector Douglas K. Martin was convicted of a felony conflict of interest from the illegal use of state vehicles and theft.